1. Home
 ›
2. Fallen Flags
 ›
3. Frisco

St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco): Map, Rosters, History

Last revised: October 12, 2024

By: Adam Burns

The St. Louis-San Francisco Railway, commonly known as the "Frisco," has a storied history of two halves. During its first 60 years the company struggled mightily with a tumultuous history of name changes and bankruptcies.

It tried many times to create a transcontinental corridor but failed in every attempt.  The much larger Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe was predominantly responsible for this setback as it sought its own route to the coast.  

History

After settling into a regional role serving parts of Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama the Frisco blossomed into a successful railroad.  Its status was further enhanced by reaching the Gulf Coast (Florida) during the 1920s where the lucrative petrochemical industry later developed.  

Following one last bankruptcy, brought about by the depression, it spent the last 30 years as a healthy carrier.  Throughout its corporate history the Frisco was not your typical Midwestern "granger" system as it carried a culture all its own, right down to a self-designed coonskin logo.

Both its own prosperity and the merger movement were growing during the 1970s, which led to its acquisition by western giant Burlington Northern in 1981.

An Electro-Motive company photo of recently out-shopped St. Louis-San Francisco (Frisco) E8A #2015, named for thoroughbred "Twenty Grand," during February of 1950. The horse nearly won the Triple Crown in 1931, finishing second to 'Mate' in the Preakness that year.

The St. Louis-San Francisco Railway's story begins in Mach of 1849 when the Pacific Railroad (PR) was chartered by the State of Missouri for the purpose of linking St. Louis with the Pacific coast.

The transcontinental concept was an aspiring but daunting one given that no railroad had yet accomplished such a feat (and ultimately would not for another two decades).  Nevertheless, the project pressed forward and by July of 1853 the first 38 miles to Franklin, Missouri (now known as Pacific) was finished.  

Alas, like so many grand schemes it became extremely difficult maintaining the needed cashflow and before long the PR ran out of money.  

In his book, "Classic American Railroads: Volume III," author and historian Mike Schafer notes that to procure further funding and interest the Southwest Branch of the Pacific Railroad was incorporated for the purpose of opening a southwestern corridor from Franklin to Rolla.  

It is here where the Frisco's story begins. Construction was launched on July 19, 1853 but required upwards of seven years before the line was finally completed in 1860.

Before further work could be undertaken the country was plunged into the Civil War.  Damage sustained during the conflict, coupled with further financial difficulties, placed the entire PR system under Missouri state control in February of 1866.

At A Glance

A few months later, in June of 1866, the original Pacific Railroad between St. Louis and Kansas City was sold while the Southwest Branch fell into the hands of General John Fremont.  

Over the years he had been involved with numerous projects and renamed his latest investment as the Southwest Pacific Railroad with continued aspirations of reaching San Francisco.  The general's grand ambitions lacked any strong financial backing, however, and he was never able to build beyond Rolla.  

Frisco RS2m #553, retrofitted with an EMD power plant which required a Geep hood, is seen here in Springfield, Missouri, circa 1970. American-Rails.com collection.

The property was subsequently reacquired by the state in June of 1867 whereupon it became the South Pacific Railroad in May of 1868.  Under this latest incarnation the system maintained transcontinental intentions as rails were extended from Rolla to Springfield with grading completed as far as Seneca.  

Before further work could be undertaken monetary shortfalls led to yet another name change in 1870 as the Atlantic & Pacific Railway.  The A&P remained focused on the west coast although, despite its grandiose name, was primarily interested in a western route from Springfield only.

The Coonskin Logo

The Frisco Railroad logo. Author's work.

Arguably the Frisco's most identifiable feature was its unique logo.  The railroad remained true to its Ozark Mountain heritage and paid homage to such through its iconic emblem.

In Mr. Collias's book he relates the story, handed down through the company, which led to its creation:

"As related by the company, the station agent at Neosho, Missouri, in 1900 augmented his income by trapping and skinning raccoons and selling the pelts.  His practice was to tack hides up to dry on the west end of the depot building. 

One day, after an obviously successful evening of hunting, the private car of Vice-President G.H. Nettleton rolled into the station in full view of the coonskins tacked up to dry.  

When Mr. Nettleton inquired about the use of company property for hide tanning, the station agent replied that it was very hard to support a family on his salary of $1.25 for a ten-hour work day and his supplemental income was a must.  

Then Nettleton asked, somewhat accusingly, 'Don't you know railroading comes first?', and then grinned and said, 'Well, a hobby is different, how much for one of those coonskins?' Following an exchange of two dollars, Mt. Nettleton re-boarded his private car with the coonskin, leaving a puzzled station agent behind.  

Shortly thereafter a drawing indicative of a tightly stretched coonskin with the word FRISCO enclosed within its boundaries appeared in the corporate office and the Frisco trademark was born."

From the fireman's side of the cab of Frisco's train #808, the northbound "Sunnyland," eases to a stop at the small community of St. Marys, Missouri on April 16, 1963. Roger Puta photo.

Despite Fremont's lack of success he was able to secure roughly one million acres in federal land grants, which greatly aided the A&P's efforts.  By 1870 the railroad was operating a continuous, 300-mile corridor from Pacific, Missouri to Vinita, Indian Territory (later Oklahoma).  

It had began efforts on a disconnected western segment between Isleta, New Mexico and Needles, California before financial struggles arose and the company slipped into bankruptcy once again on October 30, 1875.  What followed was a complicated corporate shakeup.

At that time the A&P controlled not only the previously mentioned trackage but also the original Pacific Railroad (reorganized as the Missouri Pacific Railway in 1872) main line between St. Louis and Kansas City. 

A pair of Frisco E8A's, led by #2002, rattle across the Missouri Pacific diamonds with train #10, the eastbound "Meteor," at Tower Grove, Missouri on June 23, 1957. American-Rails.com collection.

Expansion

On September 11, 1876 the St. Louis & San Francisco Railway was incorporated for the purpose of acquiring the A&P's assets between Pacific-Vinita while the newly formed Missouri Pacific would pick up the St. Louis-Kansas City corridor.

With now entirely separate managements, the StL&SF no longer had a direct entry into St. Louis.  For some time it utilized MP trackage rights but the high rental charges of this affair led to the opening of its own line in 1883. 

Passenger Trains

Black Gold: (Tulsa - Fort Worth)

The Firefly: (Tulsa - Oklahoma City)

Kansas City-Florida Special: (Kansas City - Jacksonville)

Memphian: (St. Louis - Memphis)

Meteor: (St. Louis - Oklahoma City/Fort Smith)

Oklahoman: Originally connected Kansas City and Tulsa and later served St. Louis and Oklahoma City.

Southland: (Kansas City - Birmingham)

Sunnyland: (Kansas City/St. Louis - Atlanta/Pensacola)

Texas Special:  (St. Louis - Dallas/Fort Worth - San Antonio)

Will Rogers: (St. Louis - Oklahoma City/Wichita)

Frisco F7A #21 leads a general manifest westbound over a rural grade crossing near Altamont, Kansas, circa 1966. Mac Owen photo. American-Rails.com collection.

During the 1880's StL&SF established routes throughout the southern Midwest as it continued to work on a California extension.  This new trackage included:

• Pierce City, Missouri - Wichita, Kansas; originally finished in 1880 it was pushed west to Ellsworth in 1888 for a connection with Union Pacific.

• An extension of the main line to Sapulpa, via Tulsa, by 1886.

• Finally, a branch from Monett, Missouri - Paris, Texas, completed in 1887, opened an interchange with the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe, a Santa Fe subsidiary.  

By 1890 it boasted a network of 1,800 miles.  Unfortunately, hopes of reaching the west coast were eventually dashed.  According to Keith Bryant, Jr.'s book, "History of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway," the new Frisco intended to establish a California corridor by working in conjunction with the Santa Fe. 

Frisco E8A's, #2013 ("Sea Biscuit") and #2015 ("Twenty Grand") layover at Lindenwood Yard in St. Louis during the early 1960s. American-Rails.com collection.

The much larger railroad would be used from a connection at Wichita to Albuquerque where the StL&SF would then use its new line as far west as Needles and a Southern Pacific interchange.  The AT&SF realized the potential danger of this new threat and worked out a comprise with Frisco officials. 

What was known as the Tripartite Agreement was signed by both parties on November 14, 1879 which essentially gave Santa Fe total control of the railroad and A&P charter into California. 

Things remained this way until the financial Panic of 1893 forced the Frisco back into receivership. It emerged in June of 1896 as the St. Louis-San Francisco Railroad and free of Santa Fe's influence.

System Map (1933)

An official, 1933 system map of the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco). Author's collection.

Once independent the railroad began another round of rapid expansion as it centered on a Midwestern network only:

• Its main line was extended west of Sapulpa to Oklahoma City in 1898 and finally Altus, Oklahoma in 1903.


• In 1909 it gained control of the Quanah, Acme & Pacific which extended this western terminus to Floydada, Texas.  For many years the location was an important interchange with the Santa Fe.


• South of Sapulpa service opened to Denison, Texas in 1901.


• It gained access to Carrolton by purchasing the small Red River, Texas & Southern Railway while trackage rights over the St. Louis Southwestern and Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific (Rock Island) provided access into Dallas/Fort Worth.


• In 1898 it first reached Kansas City on a new corridor built as the Kansas City, Osceola & Southern (later nicknamed the "High Line") from Springfield, Missouri via Clinton and Osceola.


• It completed an east-west branch between Ardmore, Oklahoma and Hope, Arkansas in 1903 (built as the St. Louis, San Francisco & New Orleans).


• Lastly, four years later a new branch opened between Beaumont, Kansas and Vernon, Texas which linked Wichita with its Altus line. 

Its largest single acquisition was the 1901 lease of the Kansas City, Fort Scott & Memphis Railway (KCFtS&M) which joined Kansas City with Baxter Springs, Kansas (a connection later opened between Baxter Springs and Frisco's main line at Afton, Oklahoma).

One of the Frisco's passenger-model GP7's, #617 was photographed here at Baxter Springs, Kansas, circa 1970. Mac Owen photo. American-Rails.com collection.

In turn, the KCFtS&M also controlled the Kansas City, Springfield & Memphis (Springfield-Memphis, Tennessee) as well as the Kansas City, Memphis & Birmingham (Memphis-Birmingham, Alabama).  

Another interesting subsidiary was the Kansas City, Clinton & Springfield which roughly paralleled the "High Line" between Springfield and Kansas City albeit over a less noteworthy route.

It was notoriously referred to as the "Leaky Roof" and before its abandonment offered the Frisco one of three different options into Kansas City (the other running between Springfield and Fort Scott).  

Frisco E8A #2019, named for the thoroughbred "Cavalcade," is seen here moving through the terminal tracks at the railroad's depot in Springfield, Missouri, circa 1966. The facility saw its final passenger train on December 9, 1967 and was demolished on March 5, 1977. Mac Owen photo. American-Rails.com collection.

Expansion also took place in the east where a north-south bridge line opened between St. Louis-Memphis while purchase of the Gulf Coast Lines (GSL) provided access into that region.  The former was built as the St. Louis, Memphis & Southeastern, opening in 1904 as far as Marion, Arkansas (along the Memphis - Springfield main line).  

By acquiring the GSL the Frisco gained a route between New Orleans and Brownsville via Houston.  This late-era growth was all thanks to the Reid-Moore Syndicate which took control of the Frisco in 1903.  

The speculators also acquired the Rock Island, Chicago & Eastern Illinois, and Fort Worth & Rio Grande (It was added in 1901, running between Fort Worth and Brady, Texas. The system was later sold to the Santa Fe in 1937.) in a grand attempt to establish a powerful transcontinental railroad.

St. Louis-San Francisco Railway power lays over at Birmingham, Alabama, circa 1980. The group includes GP40-2 #756, GP38-2 #665, a pair of SD45's, and another GP38-2. Mike Bledsoe photo. American-Rails.com collection.

Their efforts ballooned Frisco's network to 5,260 miles but it came at great cost as the syndicate overextended their finances.  The incredibly complex and expensive boondoggle ultimately failed, resulting in the Frisco bankruptcy in 1913.

It emerged on June 19, 1916 as the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway but was separated from both the C&EI and GSL (the C&EI became independent once more while the Gulf Coast Lines were later picked up by Missouri Pacific).  

Better days were in store as Frisco began upgrading infrastructure to position itself as a strong regional carrier.  Its final noteworthy expansion took place in July of 1925 by acquiring the 142-mile Muscle Shoals, Birmingham & Pensacola running between Kimbrough, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida.  

The move reestablished service to the Gulf Coast and the railroad hurriedly completed a 152-mile link from Kimbrough to Aberdeen, Mississippi (opened on June 27, 1928).  Two decades later it gained another Gulf Coast route by purchasing the Alabama, Tennessee & Northern (operating between Reform and Mobile, Alabama) on December 28, 1948.

Freshly repainted Frisco GP7 #561 at Altamont, Kansas in December, 1969. Mac Owen photo. American-Rails.com collection.

The 1920s were generally good with a strengthening freight business and further property upgrades through the installation of centralized traffic control and fleet of high quality/rebuilt locomotives (thanks to its West Springfield Shops).  

Attention to its physical plant would pay off when the Great Depression brought about bankruptcy on November 1, 1932.  As traffic and the economy slowly recovered the Frisco's well-maintained property was ready for the onslaught of business during World War II.  

St. Louis-San Francisco Railway ("Frisco") F7A #22 at Springfield, Missouri, circa 1968. Mac Owen photo. American-Rails.com collection.

It handled a record 9.4 billion ton-miles in 1944 and the brisk traffic brought an end to receivership in January of 1947.  The company's final thirty years were its best thanks to a growing petrochemical industry along the Gulf Coast.  

It also diversified into other traffic such as zinc, paper, automobile components, and general merchandise.  The Frisco became well-known at this time for providing reliable, high-speed service over its 5,100-mile network.

As upgrades continued during its latter years key portions of its main arteries were double-tracked while CTC-protected territory was extended.

Frisco E7A #2005, named "Winchester," at Springfield, Missouri after being rebuilt to resemble an E8A sporting a full-length grille and four portholes on October 28, 1961. Richard Wallin photo.

Diesel Roster

The American Locomotive Company

The Baldwin Locomotive Works

Davenport

Frisco's train #808, the "Sunnyland," stopped at Blytheville, Arkansas; April, 1963. Rick Burn photo.

Electro-Motive Division

Fairbanks Morse

General Electric

* #812-815 were ex-demonstrators #51-54.

Whitcomb

Steam Roster (All-Time)

*  Many of these Pacifics were rebuilt by Frisco's West Springfield Shops between 1936 and 1943.

** Rebuilt by the West Springfield Shops from former 2-10-2's.

Thanks to author Joe Collias's book "Frisco Power: Locomotives And Trains Of The St. Louis-San Francisco Railway, 1903-1953," for help with much of the above roster information.

A view of the St. Louis-San Francisco ("Frisco") shops in Springfield, Missouri, circa 1979. Mike Bledsoe photo. American-Rails.com collection.

Final Years

It opened a high tech “hump” yard in Memphis (whereby an inclined track and computer-controlled switches guided cars into their correct staging track), streamlined/consolidated operations wherever possible, initiated run-through freights with other carriers ("pooling), and was successful in petitioning the Interstate Commerce Commission to eliminate remaining passenger services entirely on December 8, 1967 with the Southland's termination.

This process had been launched nearly a decade earlier when on January 5, 1959 the Texas Special was discontinued.  

The once-glamorous streamliner was a joint service with the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad but the Katy's declining physical plant and shoddy equipment irritated Frisco management, leading to the train's cancellation.  

In 1965 it attempted to discontinue remaining services but was initially denied by the ICC.  With $7 million in losses annually, however, it persisted until winning approval two years later, making it the largest freight-only railroad up to that time.  

By the 1970's the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway had transformed itself into a very attractive property and caught the eye of the much larger Burlington Northern, which formally acquired the road on June 8, 1981.

Photos

Frisco (St. Louis–San Francisco Railway) power, led by GP35 #718, running on the Seaboard Coast Line at Raleigh, North Carolina in May of 1974. Warren Calloway photo.

Marty Bernard caught Frisco GP7 #557 hustling an eastbound freight over Long Branch Creek Treslte just east of Morrison, Oklahoma on September 10, 1966. That is Marty's vehicle beneath the trestle.

St. Louis-San Francisco E8A #2012, "Flying Ebony" (named for the thoroughbred which won the 1925 Kentucky Derby), is seen here in Springfield, Missouri during January of 1965. Richard Wallin photo.

Frisco E8A #2021 is ahead of train 102, the 'Southland' at Memphis Central Station in October, 1967. Tom Hoffmann photo, Rick Burn collection.

FacebookXPinterestTumblrRedditWhatsAppMessenger

Recent Articles

• 
• 
• 

1. CSX Santa Train Will Feature Locomotives 250 and 2026

   Nov 10, 26 01:51 PM

   
   The CSX Santa Train will feature locomotives 250 and 2026 on November 21, 2026. The 84th running covers 110 miles from Shelbiana, Kentucky, to Kingsport, Tennessee.

   Read More

2. Denton County Asks to Extend Stadler Car Relief

   Nov 10, 26 01:05 PM

   Denton County Transit Authority has asked the FRA to extend a waiver for its Stadler diesel multiple-unit cars. Comments run to January 11, 2027.

   Read More

3. FreightCar America Reports Third-Quarter Results

   Nov 10, 26 01:02 PM

   
   FreightCar America reported third-quarter revenue of $76.5 million and 662 railcar deliveries. Backlog stood at 2,660 cars valued at $284.5 million.

   Read More

4. Amtrak Has Filed a Train Control Amendment

   Nov 10, 26 12:53 PM

   
   Amtrak asked the FRA on October 26, 2026, to amend the safety plan for its Interoperable Electronic Train Management System. Comments are due November 30, 2026.

   Read More

5. SunRail Signal Waiver Is Open for Comment

   Nov 10, 26 12:25 PM

   
   FRA has asked for comment on a petition to extend signal-testing relief on the Central Florida Rail Corridor. The notice names both the corridor and CSXT. Comments run to January 11, 2027.

   Read More

6. Cars and Units Rose With BNSF Third-Quarter Earnings

   Nov 10, 26 12:18 PM

   
   Berkshire Hathaway reports that after-tax BNSF earnings increased 19.3 percent in the third quarter of 2026, with car and unit volumes up 3.9 percent.

   Read More

7. Amtrak Chicago Platforms Are Moving Toward Level Boarding

   Nov 10, 26 12:13 PM

   
   Amtrak says construction is underway soon on the first level boarding platforms at Chicago Union Station, a 112 million dollar, 30-month project.

   Read More

8. Maryland Has New Penn Line Times on November 16

   Nov 10, 26 12:07 PM

   
   MARC Penn Line schedules change on November 16, 2026, after Amtrak trains return to regular schedules. Weekend southbound trains are unchanged.

   Read More

9. Building Contract for Metrolink Sidings Goes to Granite

   Nov 10, 26 12:00 PM

   
   Granite says Metrolink awarded a 51.5 million dollar SCORE contract for sidings near downtown Los Angeles and in Rancho Cucamonga.

   Read More

10. EMD "F2" Locomotives: Specs, Roster, History

    Nov 10, 26 12:22 AM

    
    EMD F2, the 1,350-horsepower bridge between the FT and the F3. 104 locomotives, July through November 1946. Spotting features, specifications, and the production roster.

    Read More

11. Southern Pacific Diesel Roster (All-Time)

    Nov 10, 26 12:08 AM

    
    Southern Pacific diesel roster with builder serials, order numbers, Texas and New Orleans numbers, and the 1965 renumbering. Alco, Baldwin, Fairbanks-Morse, Electro-Motive, General Electric, Krauss-Ma…

    Read More

12. Southern Pacific Steam Roster: Post 1900

    Nov 09, 26 11:56 PM

    
    Southern Pacific steam locomotives built since 1900. Pacific Lines, Texas and Louisiana Lines, cab-forwards, the GS 4-8-4s, and five narrow-gauge Ten-Wheelers. The quantity column counts the rows as p…

    Read More

13. Canal Street Yard Assessment Stays Open Through December 7

    Nov 09, 26 01:07 PM

    The FRA signed the Canal Street Yard environmental assessment on November 6, 2026. Public inspection runs through December 7, and meeting dates are not confirmed.

    Read More

14. NS Legacy Cab-Signal Comments Are Due November 9

    Nov 09, 26 01:05 PM

    
    The FRA must receive comments by November 9, 2026, on a Norfolk Southern plan to drop legacy cab signals on 14 line segments and rely on positive train control.

    Read More

15. Elimination Grant of $27.8 Million Reaches Scott Road in Allen County

    Nov 09, 26 12:53 PM

    Allen County received $27,878,116, also stated as $27.8 million, to design and build a grade separation where Scott Road crosses Norfolk Southern.

    Read More

16. Vermont Receives $60.3 Million for the Western Corridor

    Nov 09, 26 12:45 PM

    
    Vermont will receive $60.3 million to rehabilitate about 60 miles of the Western Corridor. The delegation quote also calls the sum $60 million.

    Read More

17. Burlingame Grade Separation Wins a Federal Grant

    Nov 09, 26 10:42 AM

    
    Rep. Kevin Mullin said on November 5, 2026 that the FRA awarded $90.4 million for the Caltrain Broadway grade separation in Burlingame. Early work is expected in May 2027.

    Read More

18. Orange County Rail Line Gets a Coastal Permit

    Nov 09, 26 10:18 AM

    The California Coastal Commission on November 5, 2026 approved a 10-year permit for the San Clemente rail line, including about 690,000 cubic yards of sand.

    Read More

19. Railroad Quiet Zones Are Reinstated in St. Louis

    Nov 09, 26 10:14 AM

    
    St. Louis said on November 6, 2026 that the FRA reinstated the city quiet zones. Horns are to stop after railroad systems are updated.

    Read More

20. Southern Pacific Railroad: Map, History, Logo

    Nov 08, 26 01:58 PM

    
    The Southern Pacific, from the December 2, 1865 charter and the Big Four to Sprint, the Rio Grande Industries purchase of 1988, and the Union Pacific merger of February 1, 1997.

    Read More

21. California Awards Flexible Rail Aid to Nine Projects

    Nov 08, 26 01:15 PM

    
    CalSTA on November 5, 2026 awarded $66.58 million in flexible State Rail Assistance to nine California projects. Each amount in the summary is a cap, printed as up to.

    Read More

22. CSX Leaves Three Days Out of the Weekly Reports

    Nov 08, 26 12:02 PM

    
    CSX told the Surface Transportation Board it cannot recover October 27-29 data for the EP 724 and EP 787 reports covering the week ending October 30, 2026.

    Read More

23. NJ Transit Advances Three Station Housing Projects

    Nov 08, 26 11:56 AM

    
    NJ Transit on November 5, 2026 advanced station projects in Jersey City, Bound Brook, and Morristown. The three are projected to add more than 1,000 homes.

    Read More

24. River Fox Train Wraps a Locomotive for America 250

    Nov 08, 26 11:06 AM

    
    The River Fox Train in West Sacramento wrapped a locomotive with America 250 markings, the American flag, and the Sacramento skyline. The wrap is expected to stay through 2027.

    Read More

25. California Keeps Metrolink Service in the 2027 Budget

    Nov 07, 26 11:35 PM

    
    Metrolink says a California State Transportation Agency grant lets the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget keep service at current levels. The board hearing is November 13, 2026.

    Read More

26. WM's 4-6-6-4 Locomotives (M-2): Specs, Roster, History

    Nov 07, 26 04:37 PM

    
    Western Maryland class M-2, twelve Baldwin 4-6-6-4s numbered 1201-1212, built in 1940 and 1941 for Hagerstown-Connellsville fast freight. Roster, specifications, and retirement in 1952-1953.

    Read More

27. Missouri Pacific Diesel Roster (All-Time)

    Nov 07, 26 04:26 PM

    
    Missouri Pacific diesel roster with builder serials, order numbers, subsidiary lettering, and renumberings. Alco, Baldwin, Electro-Motive, and General Electric. Texas and Pacific locomotives are on th…

    Read More

28. Missouri Pacific Steam Roster (Built Since 1900)

    Nov 07, 26 04:21 PM

    
    Missouri Pacific steam locomotives built since 1900. Drury quantity column 1,439. Sedalia rebuilds counted once, 1,407 frames. Last steam was 0-6-0 9301 in November 1955.

    Read More

29. Missouri Pacific Railroad: Map, Locomotives, Logo, History

    Nov 07, 26 04:19 PM

    
    The Missouri Pacific was a large Midwestern that carried a long history of financial difficulty until later years.

    Read More

30. LIRR Service Changes Start on November 9

    Nov 07, 26 03:15 PM

    New Long Island Rail Road schedules start on every branch on Monday, November 9, 2026. Midday and weekend times change. Rush hour does not. Babylon service returns in stages.

    Read More

31. Draft EA Reviews Norfolk Southern Track in London, Ohio

    Nov 07, 26 11:35 AM

    
    The Surface Transportation Board environmental office issued a draft assessment on November 6, 2026, for about 0.96 miles of Norfolk Southern track in London, Ohio. Comments are due November 20.

    Read More

32. Metrolink Lines Will Not Run on Three Routes November 7

    Nov 07, 26 10:53 AM

    
    Metrolink will not run the Ventura County, Orange County, or Inland Empire-Orange County lines on November 7 and 8, 2026. The advisory says no substitute transportation will be provided.

    Read More

33. Hartford Line Adds a Weekday Round Trip on November 16

    Nov 07, 26 10:48 AM

    
    Connecticut said the Hartford Line adds a weekday New Haven-Hartford round trip on November 16, starts a morning train in Springfield, and extends weekend stops to Windsor and Windsor Locks.

    Read More

34. Board Issues a Policy Statement on Rail Preemption

    Nov 07, 26 10:44 AM

    
    The Surface Transportation Board placed a policy statement on public inspection for the November 9 Federal Register. It reviews existing preemption precedent and says it makes no binding determination…

    Read More

35. NJ Transit Restores Lines After the Newark Drawbridge Stop

    Nov 07, 26 10:37 AM

    
    NJ Transit said Morris and Essex service between Hackettstown and Dover, and Montclair-Boonton service between Hackettstown and Montclair State University, resumed after the Newark Drawbridge stop.

    Read More

36. EMD "SD35" Locomotives: Data Sheet, Specs, Roster

    Nov 06, 26 10:35 PM

    
    EMD SD35, 2,500 horsepower, 16-cylinder 567D3A, built June 1964 through January 1966. 360 locomotives. Specifications and the production roster by owner, serial, and order.

    Read More

37. EMD "SDP35" Locomotives: Data Sheet, Specs, Roster

    Nov 06, 26 10:32 PM

    
    EMD SDP35, the steam-generator SD35. 35 locomotives, July 1964 through September 1965. Seaboard Air Line 1100-1119, Atlantic Coast Line 550, Louisville and Nashville 1700-1703, Union Pacific 1400-1409…

    Read More

38. RJ Corman Will Be Replaced on Part of the Luzerne Lines

    Nov 06, 26 01:34 PM

    
    A November 6, 2026 notice says Wilkes-Barre Terminal Railway would acquire about 59.65 miles in Luzerne County and replace R.J. Corman as operator on part of the line. The earliest date is November 22…

    Read More

39. NS Names a Student Hub at the University of Georgia

    Nov 06, 26 12:03 PM

    
    Norfolk Southern said a 100,000 dollar gift named a student-organization hub in Driftmier Engineering Center. The University of Georgia marked the naming on October 26. The space is for 23 clubs.

    Read More

40. Union Pacific Filed Its Vena Recording Certification

    Nov 06, 26 11:56 AM

    
    Union Pacific filed a November 5, 2026 verified statement that the confidential label is off the March 17 Vena recording and that parties of record received a copy at 3:30 p.m. Eastern.

    Read More

41. OmniTRAX Adds Tenants at Its Blue Island Hub

    Nov 06, 26 10:26 AM

    
    OmniTRAX has signed new construction-company leases at its 90-acre Blue Island, Illinois, hub and is planning a second phase.

    Read More

42. Veterans and Active-Duty Members Exceed 16 Percent of Norfolk Southern

    Nov 06, 26 10:14 AM

    
    Norfolk Southern said on November 5, 2026, that more than 3,000 veterans and active-duty service members are more than 16 percent of its workforce. This year grants are $100,000 and $50,000.

    Read More

43. BNSF: Merger Would Put Half of U.S. Rail Shipments Under One Railroad

    Nov 06, 26 10:00 AM

    
    BNSF chief marketing officer Tom G. Williams told customers on November 3, 2026, that a Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger would put about half of U.S. rail shipments under one railroad. Nothing is…

    Read More

44. Amtrak Opens a Winter Fare Sale

    Nov 06, 26 09:28 AM

    
    Amtrak opened a Winter Wanderlust sale on November 5, 2026. Book by November 12 for travel from December 1, 2026, through March 14, 2027. Blackout dates apply. Coach and Acela Business only.

    Read More

45. CN and CPKC Report October Grain Records

    Nov 06, 26 08:50 AM

    
    CPKC reported October 2026 grain records in Canada and the United States. CN reported 3.54 million metric tonnes across Canada. The releases do not print a combined total.

    Read More

46. New Brunswick Transload Gets CN Rail Service

    Nov 06, 26 08:49 AM

    
    CN said on November 4, 2026, that it has started serving AD Gagnon Transload Services near Grand Falls, New Brunswick. The site is three kilometres from the Trans-Canada Highway and lists room for 106…

    Read More

47. Together, Freight and Passenger Rail Can Grow, Union Pacific Says

    Nov 06, 26 08:47 AM

    
    Union Pacific said on November 5, 2026, that passenger obligations would remain if it combines with Norfolk Southern. The capacity claim is a Union Pacific analysis, not a Surface Transportation Board…

    Read More

48. FM "C-Liner" Locomotives: Specs, Roster, Photos

    Nov 05, 26 11:19 PM

    
    Fairbanks-Morse Consolidation Line cab units, the C-Liners. 165 locomotives, Beloit and Kingston, March 1950 through February 1955. Models, specs, and production rosters.

    Read More

49. Atlanta, Birmingham & Coast Railroad: Map, History, Roster

    Nov 05, 26 12:03 PM

    
    Atlanta, Birmingham & Coast, from Brunswick and Waycross to Atlanta and Birmingham. Atlantic Coast Line control at the close of 1926. Merged in January 1946 as the Western Division. Steam roster of th…

    Read More

50. El Paso & Southwestern Railroad: Map, History, Logo

    Nov 05, 26 12:00 PM

    
    The El Paso & Southwestern, the Phelps Dodge copper railroad from Tucson to the Rock Island at Tucumcari. Southern Pacific control on October 31, 1924.

    Read More